Yet Another Mainstream Development where Solar is Standard

Last month we noted how home developers in London were adding solar panels to mainstream homes yet hardly marketing the fact. Now we've come across another example of a major home developer hiding its (solar) light under a bushel. Looking at the landing page for Barratt Homes' NU @ D2 development in Northampton, you'd hardly know that they've achieved an "Eco Excellent" rating with the EcoHomes Standard; that the 165 homes feature solar thermal and electric panels; rainwater harvesting; energy efficient design; nor that the entire development was designed after New Urbanist principles (for an explanation of what New Urbanism is all about, check out our interview with Andy Kuntz). We only found all this out because we came across the more eco-centric description of the development via the company providing the solar panels, Solarcentury. As we've said before, it's encouraging to see features such as solar panels being marketed simply as "extra features for comfortable, modern-day living".

Pssst! Valentines Day is just around the corner. For tips on some good green loving, check out our Gift Guide.